The new Metraflex LPD Y-Strainer/Filter provides significant energy savings over the old Y-strainer. Metraflex has re-engineered the 100-year-old strainer and given it a leaner interior with fewer obstructions. The result is significantly lower pressure drops resulting in energy-savings so significant the LPD Y-strainer can pay for itself in months.

Lower pressure drops than traditional, old Y-strainers
Metraflex has removed the bridge wall/body casting structure that has traditionally diverted flow into the screen as it enters the strainer. Now flow takes a much straighter line from intake to discharge. Other internal structural improvements also help create a more open internal geometry, allowing for smoother flow throughout the strainer. The result is significantly lower pressure drops.

You have the option to open the plug and drain the strainer, or easily access the screen by removing the plate.

Larger screens with more surface area
The new LPD Y-strainer internal design also accommodates a significantly larger screen, up to 30% larger. This larger screen has more holes allowing smoother fluid flow. In addition, as debris collects, the same amount of debris trapped by both the new LPD Y-strainer screen and a traditional, old Y-strainer screen covers a significantly smaller percentage of the new LPD Y-strainer screen. This contributes to lower pressure loss. It also takes longer for debris to collect and significantly impact strainer performance.

Compare a 6-inch LPD Y-strainer to the traditional 6-inch Y-strainer
As an example, we compared a 6-inch LPD Y-strainer, with 50% of the screen clogged with debris, to a competitors completely clean 6-inch Y-strainer. The partially clogged LPD Y-strainer still has a lower pressure loss than the completely clean traditional Y strainer!

How to select the right screen
Pictured above, against a US penny for scale, are the most common screen options requested. Check with the other system components for maximum particle size and spec a screen slightly smaller. Too often we see a tendency to select holes smaller than needed. This increases pressure drop and needlessly wastes energy. Without knowing the maximum permitted particle size, we have suggested standards for water and steam applications.

Water Service: Although many options are available, the industry has standardized on a few hole diameters. Metraflex is no exception. For 2 inch thru 3 inch, water service, we provide 0.045” perforated stainless steel screens. 4 inch thru 12 inch, water service, our standard recommended screen is 0.125” perforated stainless steel.

Steam Service: Steam service is different in that most steam components are not as tolerant of debris as are water components. Steam traps, heat exchangers, control valves need more protection. For steam our standard perforation is 0.045” to 6 inch diameter and 0.62” for 8 inch and larger strainers.

Mesh screens: Many times mesh is used to line perforated screens for system startups. After a system is run for a few days, the strainer is opened, the mesh lining is removed and the perforated screen is reinstalled. Be sure to note that during ordering that the mesh lining is for startup. It will be attached in such a way that it can easily be removed without damaging the permanent screen.

Please note- Differential pressure, clogs and screen strength. As debris accumulates the differential pressure upstream of the screen and downstream cannot exceed 20psi. The screen itself cannot withstand the same pressures as the body. The LPD strainer is tapped with ports to readily accept differential pressure gauges. Adding gauges is always a good practice as well as protecting the screen from a catastrophic failure; your system will run much more efficiently knowing when blow downs are needed.